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News and notes from the rodeo trail, March 13

ProRodeoLive.com will be broadcasting the Southeastern Livestock Exposition from Montgomery, Ala., March 16-18. The rodeo begins at 7 p.m. (CT) March 16 and March 17, and there are two performances March 18, at 2 and 7 p.m.…

The Reno (Nev.) Rodeo Foundation is warning the public about scammers using its name to ask for donations. Clara Andriola, executive director of the Reno Rodeo Foundation, spoke to the PRCA media department about the issue March 9. “It’s come to our attention that there may be scammers using the Reno Rodeo Foundation name to fraudulently solicit donations,” Andriola said. “We want the community to know that the Foundation does not, and will not, make calls asking for donations. We do appreciate donations, and the money that’s donated goes to the kids in our community, but to be secure about making a donation we use a secure website, or they can contact me by phone or email.” The secure website address is www.renorodeofoundation.org. To get in touch with Andriola by phone, call 775.322.9875 or contact her via email at info@renorodeofoundation.org …

This past weekend’s Arcadia All-Fla Championship Rodeo was the last in its historic facility, as construction is underway for a new $7 million, 7,796-seat covered arena. This is the third time the 89-year-old Arcadia rodeo has moved since it began. “We have outgrown our current location,” said Don Hall, president of the Arcadia Rodeo Committee. “It’s a good problem to have.” The new arena can fit about 1,600 more spectators than the current one and will have two barns with 100 stalls. The long-term plan is to expand to 300 stalls, Hall said. In addition to more seating, the individual seats will be twice as wide. Before, seats were nine inches wide, and the new bleachers will allow for 18 inches of space per person ...

A pair of Fort Hays (Kan.) State University (FHSU) students have been awarded scholarships courtesy of the Phillipsburg Rodeo Association. Kaitlyn Dinges, Ness City, Kan., and Wyatt Livingston, Oxford, Neb., are recipients of $500 scholarships towards their education at Fort Hays State …

Officials are deciding whether to replace the nearly century-old rodeo arena grandstands at the Roundup Grounds Sports Complex in Belle Fourche, S.D., and how to pay for such a project. Mayor Gloria Landphere says work began on a master plan for the complex earlier this year. She says initial talks should focus on the financial aspects of the $1.2 million projected cost of replacing the grandstands at the city-owned complex. Landphere told the city council during a meeting last month that officials need to talk about replacing the bleachers because of the insurance liability, the Black Hills Pioneer reported. “We’re going to have to address some type of a plan because of the age of these (grandstands),” Landphere said. Council members discussed the possibility of using the city’s hospitality tax to fund the project. Councilwoman Jessica Carmichael noted that other projects also need attention within the complex. The complex consists of soccer and baseball fields that require repair and maintenance, in addition to the rodeo arena. The mayor said she would put together a list of projects on the plan to discuss at a later meeting. The 98th annual Black Hills Roundup will take place in Belle Fourche, S.D., June 30-July 4.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Harry just had a way with people. He was spectacular to be around. He was humble, and great to talk to, and he was a unique man. It’s a big loss to our rodeo industry.”
­­­– Seven-time Wrangler National Rodeo qualifier Josh Peek on his good friend Harry Vold, who passed away Monday.